Book Review The Calico & Cowboys by Mary Connealy

Description
Love sneaks up on eight couples in the Old West.

The Old West comes to life under the talented pen of bestselling author Mary Connealy. Enjoy a lighthearted ride alongside seven historical and one contemporary cowboys and the women who tame their hearts.

The Advent Bride
Melanie Douglas is alone on the Nebraska plains, teaching school to get by. She finds a unique box with hidden drawers to use over the advent season to engage a young boy in his schooling. When Henry O’Keeffe sees a positive change in his son, he has to see for himself what this new teacher is doing.

A Bride Rides Herd
Matt Reeves arrives at his brother’s ranch to find Betsy Harden alone with the little girls during a cattle drive. Will the ladies be too much to handle when Matt steps in for the missing ranch hand?

His Surprise Family
A lonely young rancher orders a mail-order bride and after the vows are spoken, she “surprises” him with her three little brothers. No amount of apologies Meghan McCray gives are going to make Silas Harden, Jr. believe a word she says. Should Silas just build himself another house and let his mail-order family take over the one he’s got?

Homestead on the Range
Widow Elle Winter meets new homesteader Colin Samuelson on the Nebraska prairie, but the attraction between them is soon dampened by the discovery that they have seven children between them. Soon their children are working against them to bring the two families together.

Sophie’s Other Daughter
Dr. Ike Reeves comes home to visit his family only to bring trouble in the form of outlaws who believe he witnessed their latest crime. When the gang traps Ike and his old nemesis, Lauren McClellen, in a cave, they must work together to outsmart the thugs. But will their time together put them in a compromising situation that will threaten both of their good reputations?

The Sweetwater Bride
Debba McClain takes offense at being offered a wedding in exchange for valuable water rights. But she doesn’t like to see a good man’s cattle die of thirst—and the rancher Tanner Harden is rather handsome.

Texas Tea
Luke Reeves has gotten wealthy in the oil business and goes to visit his uncle to convince him to sign over the oil rights to his land. But when he meets his grown up adopted cousin Libby Cooper, he may be forced to give up one dream to win another.

Hope for Christmas
It might be 2016, but Montana is still a mighty rough place to survive the winter. When Silas Harden finds the very pregnant Kelsey Black in a wrecked car surrounded by a pack of wolves in the heart of a blizzard he takes her to his remote home. What will Silas do when the baby decides to come and Kelsey confesses why she was out in such a terrible storm?

My Review
I love Mary's books. This book is a series of novella's that include siblings that have full novels and here we get to know what happens to the siblings that do not have a novel. For example the youngest of Sophie's Daughters, and the Reeve's Boys and even Belle's children. The first novella is totally new characters and the last is a contemporary but the hero is related to the historical characters.
I loved the book I loved seeing what happened to different characters and loved the dangers that Mary always adds to her books. A really good read.

Thanks to Netgalley for my review copy

Book Review Her Rocky Mountain Highness by Darlene Franklin

Krystal Black had helped foreign dignitaries before but never was tempted to join their ranks. 

Prince Johann "John" van Koppelberg came to the Colorado Rockies expecting a vacation. He hadn't planned to fall in love with his tourism director. 

But like John Denver, the prince found a home and fell in love. Now if only he could get Krystal and his parents to agree.

My Review
Firstly thanks to the author a copy of this book to review.

This novella starts with Krystal and her cousin Jill who work for a tourism company waiting at the international airport for her newest client a Prince Johan (John) and his body guard. In the back ground we hear John Denver's Rocky Mountain High being sung which sets the theme for this book. We also learn Prince Johan is Blonde and Blue eyed and his body guard is tall and burly. 

Right from the start we can see the Prince isn't what you expect of royalty. He is a normal guy wanting to just have a break where he can be himself. He also comes from a royal family who no longer have a kingdom due to wars but still have a title and his kingdom was in mountains so seeing the Rockies touch his soul. Krystal loves to show of her Rockies and loves her job for this reason. 

We also see interaction between Jill and Gus, John's bodyguard and close friend. I like books where the secondary characters are also included in the story. This is another book I really enjoyed.

Book Review Seven Brides for Seven Mail-Order Husbands Romance Collection

Seven Brides for Seven Mail-Order Husbands Romance Collection

A Newspaper Ad for Husbands Brings a Wave of Men to a Small Kansas Town

by Susan Page Davis, Susanne Dietze, Darlene Franklin, Patty Smith Hall, Cynthia Hickey, Carrie Fancett Pagels, Gina Welborn

Seven women seek husbands to help them rebuild a Kansas town.

Meet seven of Turtle Springs, Kansas’, finest women who are determined to revive their small town after the War Between the States took most of its men. . .and didn’t return them. The ladies decide to advertise for husbands and devise a plan for weeding out the riff raff. But how can they make the best practical choices when their hearts cry out to be loved?

Abigail’s Proposal by Cynthia Hickey
When her father never returned from the war, Abigail Melton stepped into his role as town mayor. The town needs men, and she needs a husband—and she has a big idea how to find both—but her first duty is to hire a sheriff. And drifter Josiah Ingram will do just fine.

My Review. 
This is the first story in the book and sets up the whole book. After the war there are more women than men and rather than let there town die the women decide to find husbands by sending out advert seeking God Fearing men. While Abigail is mayor she has agreed to look for a husband and in the meantime appoints Josiah as Sheriff. Josiah has no intention of getting married but is attracting attention from all the ladies so says he is engaged to Abigail which makes for an interesting time. With some the day of the auditions coming we learn not is always as it seems. We see just how trustworthy Josiah is and how level headed Abigail is also. A good start to the book.

The Kidnapped Groom by Susan Page Davis
Riding through the Flint Hills on his way to Dodge City, cowboy Sam Cayford finds himself the kidnapping victim of two children. When he meets their lovely mother, Maggie Piner—whom the kids insist he should marry—Sam starts to question God’s plans versus his own.

My Review.
This is my favourite story in the book. I could tell Susan had written the story as it is in her style of writing. I love how Sam is kidnapped by two small children who think they are doing right by their mother. They know she needs help and want her protected and also need some the love of a father. Maggie is horrified when she finds out what the children have done and then circumstances come into play. Add a banker who wants her farm and you have an interesting tale. 
 
A Clean Slate by Susanne Dietze
Schoolmarm Roberta “Birdy” Green won’t marry any of the prospective grooms flocking to town. After losing her fiancé in the war, the only love her broken heart can bear is for her students. But then she takes on a new pupil—Drew Cooper, one of the gentlemen drawn to Kansas by the advertisement for grooms.

My Review
This books is about Birdy who is the schoolmarm who doesn't intend to get married but is out to protect her friend. She lost her fiance in the war and also has issues she needs to comfront. Drew wants to better himself he is estranged from his brother and wants to start a new. Throw into the mix Birdy's friends little girls who tend to be scene steelers. I have to admit I took awhile to warm to Birdy as she is a little controlling and can seem cold but as you learn her story you can understand why she is like she is.

Sunshine of My Heart by Darlene Franklin
Debbie Barker longs to bring beauty to her new home on the prairie, where her family moved after the war, and seeks a husband to help her father run the ranch. Zack Gage returned home from the war to a life in ruins—family dead and business bankrupted. He answers the mail-order husband ad to seek a fresh start. But neither Debbie nor Zeke know what they are doing when it comes to ranching. . .or love.

My Review
This is an fun story. Debbie wants to be married like her sisters. She moved west with her parents and wants to marry someone who will also help with the ranch. Zack came to the auditions because he no longer has anything left in Maine for him. Zack is new to ranching but has taken a real shine to Debbie and will learn for her. I love the way they both have so much in common and try to make a go of it. I got frustrated with Debbie's father at times. Another good read. 

Come What May by Patty Smith Hall
Chardy Stevens is at the end of her rope. Between running her late father’s store and tending to her four younger brothers, she barely has time to breathe, much less look for a husband to help her. The boys scare off most of her prospects and throw Chardy together with her childhood friend Luke, a disabled veteran who seeks her happiness above his own

My Review.

I Have to say Chardy is one of my favourite ladies in these stories. She has her hands full with 4 younger brothers to look after and a store to run as well as a homestead. The boys have been expelled from school. Luke has returned from the war disabled and feels he is inadequate for anyone. Chardy needs help and Luke decides he can help her and in the meantime at least watch over her brothers and maybe help on the homestead. While there he confronts many of his issues. I love the interaction and what both learn about themselves.

Dime Novel Suitor by Carrie Fancett Pagels
Widow Caroline Kane is the proprietor of a restaurant and inn—and responsible for her five teenaged siblings. But she has no plans of finding a mail-order groom. Britisher Barden Granville IV is on a “cowboy holiday” when he finds himself flat broke in Kansas.  When he answers an old “help wanted” ad, Caroline misconstrues Barden is there as a potential husband. Will the beautiful and fiesty widow cause the new vicar to make Kansas his home?
 
My Review
This is another story I really enjoyed I felt for Caroline as she too has so much she has to do she is responsible for siblings and trying to keep a restaurant and inn going and has an older sister who tends to meddle and not listen to Caroline. What is fun in this story is Barden isn't looking to be a groom, in fact has no idea about what is happening but through a misunderstanding becomes a suitor when he is actually applying for a job. Barden is just what she needs for the restaurant and also is so level headed and I couldn't help liking him. Once again we see Caroline struggle with issues that she needs to deal with to move on. 

Louder than Words by Gina Welborn
After years of writing abolitionist pamphlets and chronicling soldier life during the war, J.R. Lockhart is bored and jumps at the opportunity to investigate an advertisement for husbands for an article in Godey’s Lady’s Book. Jane Ransome would like to help the charming-but-oblivious-to-life-out-West man chronicle the courtships developing in town, but she has her own husband to find—one who will fit perfectly in her picket-fenced Kansas home.

My Review 
This is the last story and deals with a journalist who is moving west and writing stories on the way. He is interested in finding out more about the advert for husbands and why they advertised. He meets Jane who is happy in the town and wants to stay. She has been there for a few years now and wants to make it her home town. While she wants a husband and family of her own she also struggles because she feels she is not fully accepted due to her heritage. She has captivated J.R and I love how he works at trying to win her. 

Thanks to Netgalley for my review copy

Book review My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island by Carrie Fancett Pagels

My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island

by 

Carrie Fancett Pagels

Barbour Books (July 1, 2017)

Journey now to Mackinac Island where...

A Tangled Gilded Age Love Story Unfolds.

Although the Winds of Mackinac Inn has been in her mother’s family for generations, Maude Welling’s father refuses to let her run it without the guidance of a husband. So she seeks to prove her worth and independence by working incognito as a maid at the Grand Hotel.

Undercover journalist Ben Steffans, posing as a wealthy industrialist, pursues a story about impoverished men chasing heiresses at the famed hotel.  While undercover, he becomes attracted to an intriguing maid. By an act of heroism Ben endears himself to the closed-mouthed islanders—including Maude—and he digs deep for his story.

But when scandal threatens, will the growing love between Maude and Ben be scuttled when truths are revealed?

My Review:

Firstly thanks to Netgalley for my review copy.

I have read a couple other My Heart Belong books this year all set in the west and more westerns. It was refreshing to have a different location and era. I really loved the story. It made me want to go there and see the island and to also taste some of the famous fudge.

Maude wants to run the inn that has been in her family for generations but her father thinks she needs to be married. When the man she hoped to marry breaks her heart she sets about trying to prove herself to her father. On the flip side Ben is posing as a wealthy industrialist when he is in fact a journalist who is trying to expose how men come to the island pretending to be rich to snare a heiress at the famous hotel. Ben is really struggling with his assignment as he feels more comfortable with the locals than the wealthy. He has a story that has scarred him.

As both Maude and Ben seem to be coming closer there are issues arising they need to deal with. 

I loved the different area of America which I haven't read about before. The places are real with the story fiction, and we get a feel of what it would be like to live on the island. Also what it is like when you live year round on a place where in the summer the wealthy will come and stay at The Grand or other Hotels. It then becomes very much a division of the people. There are also other issues that both Maud and Ben have to deal with, which added to the story. 

I really loved the story and have heard Carrie will be writing about one of the other characters in an upcoming book.

Book Review Mermaid's Song by Darlene Franklin

Mermaid's Song 

by 

Darlene Franklin

Book Discription:

At last, the much anticipated 50th book by Darlene Franklin!

Noble Prescott is drawn to the scene of a shipwreck by a sweet song sung in a language he didn’t understand. The songstress is barely alive, holding onto a piece of the ship’s railing. Her dress wraps around her legs like a mermaid’s tail.

Thus begins this imaginative retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale.

Justine Battineaux, an Acadian forced from her homeland on Cape Breton Island by British decree, finds herself adrift in the Maine colony. She doesn’t know the language and is distrusted as a foreigner.

Noble lives up to his name, providing shelter for Justine—and protection, as distrust turns into danger. For himself, his family—and the woman he comes to love.

How will Justine and Noble overcome the evil woman’s schemes to find their own love everlasting?

My Review:

Firstly thanks to the Author for my review copy.

I love the story I couldn't stop reading and due to insomnia I was reading in the early hours of the morning which is not normal for me, but I just didn't want to put the book down. I have read a couple of books dealing with the French Acadian people and them being forcibly resettled and this gives another insight into what happened. I really love how the language barrier proved to be no real barrier in the end, yes it did make things interesting but there are things that transcend language such as music.

When Justine is shipwrecked it is her song that draws Nobel to her. He can hear a beautiful sound and recognises the tune but not the words. I love how even though both worship the same God they can worship in their own languages. Thankfully there is a citizen who knows French in the village although she has a hidden agenda that becomes clear as the book progresses. I would like to say more about the story and what happens but being its a novella I don't want to give the story line or hidden gems away.

This is my favourite novella I have read so far this year.

The Book Review: The Farmers' Market Mishap by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Jean Brunstetter

The Farmers' Market Mishap by Wanda E. Brunstetter  and Jean Brunstetter 

June 1, 2017

Barbour Books

Book Description:

New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter and Daughter-in-Law, Jean, Weave a Lighthearted Romance from Indiana’s Amish Country
 
Living alone for the first time in her life is lonely for Elma Hochstetler, whose twin sister Thelma recently married. Though they share the running of a general store, more and more of Thelma’s time is taken up by her growing family. Elma has dated some, but she wonders if she is just too picky to find love.
 
Through a mishap at the farmers’ market, Elma meets Ben Wagler and instantly likes him. But there is a problem. He lives in Grabill—50 miles away! But Elma has tried long-distance dating before, and it won’t work for her.  Besides the store needs her. Her sister needs her. Elma feels love will forever remain beyond her grasp.
 
Elma has a habit of putting others before her own needs. Can she learn to take a risk at following the desires of her heart?

How did Thelma meet her husband?  Find out in The Lopsided Christmas Cake.

My Review:

Firstly Thanks to NetGalley for my review copy.

I read the first book in the series when it was first released and really enjoyed it so was looking forward to seeing what would happen next. 

This book takes up after Thelma has married and is expecting a baby. We see Elma is now living along with Tiger the cat she never wanted in book one but is now welcome companionship. We see a couple of interests for Elma but there are hurdles. Thelma would like to see her rekindle a relationship with her husbands best friend but they are just friends. There are times I really get annoyed with Thelma. I found her to be quite selfish in her thinking. She seems to think that her twin should be happy to help her when the baby comes and not put herself first. She also doesn't want her twin to find love in another district. I understand they are close but at times I felt frustrated with her for not realising she had married and was happy and why wouldn't she want her sister to have the same opportunity even if it meant moving away. I enjoy the way the book is written from several points of view and we see each persons motivation. 

Another great read by Wanda and her Daughter in Law

Book Review: My Heart Belongs in Ruby City by Susanne Dietze

My Heart Belongs in Ruby City

by 

Susanne Dietze

• Publisher: Barbour Books (May 1, 2017)
• Amazon Link

Book Description:

Journey now to Ruby City, Idaho of 1866 where...
A Marriage Mishap Creates an Awkward Love Triangle in this Silver Mining Town

Looking forward to a quiet life and a full stomach, mail-order bride Rebecca Rice is pleased to marry her shopkeeper intended, Mr. Fordham, until the justice of the peace calls him Thaddeus, not Theodore—proceeded by the title Deputy.

Is it possible to marry the wrong man?

When the newlyweds realize they’ve married the wrong partners with similar names, an annulment seems in order—and fast, since Rebecca’s true intended is impatient to claim her as his own, not to mention Rebecca would never marry a lawman like her father. But when the legalities take longer than expected, Rebecca wonders if Tad wasn’t the right husband for her all along. . . .

My Review:
Firstly thanks to Netgalley for my review copy.

I loved this book. It was a different mail order bride story. Rebecca arrives in Ruby city after being held up on the stage. She is a little shaken as they have taken her few items she owned. She is there to marry Theodore Fordham the local shopkeeper. This is where it gets interesting. When she arrives she is greeted by Mr Fordham and they get married but doesn't realise the judge is saying Tad not Ted as she thinks its his nickname. It is only after they are married and Theodore comes in the door do they realise what has happened. They decided to have an annulment but have to wait or the judge to come to Ruby City. Tad and Theodore are cousins who dislike each other which makes things interesting. 

Rebecca wants to pull her weight while waiting and works out way to do this. She also never wanted to marry a lawman because her father had been one and been killed in the line of duty.  Tad is a lawman and determined to catch the gang that had robbed the stage along with many other stages and people. We the mystery of who is in the gang and will they catch them.

I really loved how Rebecca cared for people in the community and loved people others didn't love. This is another good read if you enjoy historical fiction with a twist of mystery.

Book Review by Cinderella's Boot by Darlene Franklin

Cinderella's Boot

by 

Darlene Franklin

• Publisher: Forget Me Not Romances, 
• a division of Winged Publications (April 19, 2017)

Book Description:

Cynthia Ellen Cooper—known affectionately as “Cinderella”—left her wedding boot in the dust when she ran away from her wedding to work on a sheep station in Australia. 

Four years later, she’s back home—and so is her ex-fiancé, now a DVM from Oklahoma State University. They reach a truce and work side by side in his father’s animal clinic. 

Cyn soon discovers she wants more—but she has to battle bad history and a demanding pet owner for Keith’s attention. 

How can Cinderella find a second chance at love? 

My Review:

Firstly thanks to the Author for my review copy.

I had a day in hospital and this was a great book to read to help pass the day. I enjoyed this book because it mentions Australia and has the fact done well unlike many books that try to write about my country but get facts or information wrong. The books starts with a Cynthia faced with the choice of working in Australia on a sheep station or getting married and working while her fiance finishes his degree. 

Fast forward four years. Cyn is now working in the same practice as her ex-fiance Keith. She still loves Keith but thinks its to late for them due to her leaving him and tries to handle the fact he has moved on. Meanwhile Keith is struggling with the situation and to why she left. Enter an attractive pet owner of a cat that seems to enjoy getting into scraps. We see both Cyn and Keith doing some thinking and working through issues and deciding what they want. I really enjoyed this novella it was easy to read and captured my attention. 

ACRBA Tour Looking Glass Lies by Varina Denman with review

1 - 5 May 2017

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

is Introducing 

Looking Glass Lies 

(By the Waterfall Press, 2 May 2017)

By Varina Denman

About the Book:

A poignant and relatable novel, Looking Glass Lies captures the war women wage against themselves, and the struggle to see beauty reflected in a mirror not distorted by society’s unrelenting expectations.

For most of her adult life, Cecily Ross has compared herself to other women—and come up short. After a painful divorce from her emotionally abusive husband, Cecily returns to her hometown of Canyon, Texas, looking to heal.

But coming home isn’t what she expects. In a town as small as Canyon, her pain is difficult to escape—especially with her model-perfect ex–sister-in-law working at the town’s popular coffee-shop hangout. With help from her father, a support group, and an old friend who guides her to see her own strengths, Cecily may have a shot at overcoming her insecurities and learning to love again.

The true test comes when tragedy strikes, opening Cecily’s eyes to the harmfulness of her distorted views on beauty—and giving her the perfect opportunity to find peace at last.

About the Author:

Varina Denman enjoys writing fiction about women and the unique struggles they face. Her novels include the Mended Hearts trilogy: Jaded, Justified, and Jilted, as well as her latest release, Looking Glass Lies. She seems to have a knack for describing small town life, and her debut novel, Jaded, won the ACFW Genesis Contest, the BRMCWC Selah Award, and the INSPYs Bloggers’ Award for Excellence in Faith-Driven Literature.

Varina attended three universities over a span of five years, majoring in four subjects and earning zero degrees. However, she can now boast sixteen years as a home educator, volunteering in her local cooperative where she has taught numerous subjects including creative writing and literature. Varina lives in North Texas where she volunteers in local marriage and family ministry. She is represented by Jessica Kirkland of Kirkland Media Management.

More information:
https://varinadenman.com/

Interview Questions

In Looking Glass Lies as well as the Mended Hearts series, you touch on subjects that are not often talked-about. How do you choose your topics, and what is your motivation? In all my books, my goal is to help women deal with issues in their lives, and generally the issues we women need the most help with are the ones we keep hidden, the secret ones that nobody likes to talk about. Those are the subjects I want to crack open, so that my readers and I can poke them with a stick, see what’s really happening in our lives … and heal a little.

All your books deal with female leads who are struggling with unique issues, but they seem to portrayed from the heart. How much of the plots come from your own life experience? Each book is different, but generally my books begin with a nugget of my own life story, or maybe just a feeling or an impression, and then I completely blow it up into an elaborate, exaggerated story. So I guess you could say, each plot line comes from my own life … but just barely.

Could your writing best be described as women’s fiction or romance? Why? It’s taken me a while to learn about myself as an author. At first, I thought I was a romance writer, but now I’m confident my books fit neatly into women’s fiction. All those issues I pile into the plots just don’t lend themselves to the romance genre, but I always add a touch of romance just for fun.

So far, all of your books are set in Texas. Do you have plans to pursue other settings in the future? Not yet, but I’m not limiting  myself either. As for now, my next book will be set in Texas, but after that, I’m not sure where my stories will take me.

What is your background, and how did you end up writing novels? When I was young, I never dreamed I’d be a writer when I grew up. In school, writing assignments were drudgery, but then again, most of my papers were research not creative writing. My lifelong goal was to marry an awesome guy, settle down, and have a bunch of kiddos. Once I did all that, I surprised myself by developing an increased interest in books which led to an interest in writing. Now I’m having the time of my life.

*************************************************

My Review:
Firstly thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

I also feel I need to put a warning for this book. This book deals with is hard issues including self harm and may be a trigger for some people who struggle with this issue.

This book is different from the books I normally read. I did enjoy the story but did find it confronting in many ways. I could identify with how the characters suffer from low self esteem caused by general perceptions of how we should look or not look etc. I too suffered from a low self esteem due to bullying and also having expectations placed on me that were unrealistic. I felt for Cecily and the more I read the more I felt for her. I also feel for other characters in this book. Cecily thinks she isn't good enough which is where the self harming comes in (hence the warning) from talking with people who have done this I do understand how at the time it numbs the pain. I love how she joins a support group which offers help not a quick fix but help. What I like even better is we see men in this book also having issues. We don't think of men having these issues and while they may not manifest in the same way they do affect them.

This is a book that will help women understand they are not alone and body image issues and distortion issues are universal and that while we may think another woman is perfect they may very well be suffering in their own way.

A good read and a good book for a bookclub read to get the body image discussion started.

Book Review To Riches Again by Darlene Franklin

To Riches Again

by 

Darlene Franklin

• Publisher: Forget Me Not Romances, 
• a division of Winged Publications (March 19, 2017)
• Amazon link 

Book description:

A year ago, life was full of promise.
Elyssa Philbin partied with the rest of New York’s elite, not worrying about anything beyond her newest dress.
Ian and Bridget McDonnell, although part of a poverty-stricken family, lived secure in their parents’ love. Bill Ward looked forward to a prosperous crop, a new baby, and his loving wife.

Everything changed before the calendar turned to 1930. 

To Riches Again chronicles Elyssa and Bill’s return to wholeness after they have both lost everything, and gained much more—thanks in part to two orphan children.

My Review:

firstly thanks to the Author for my review copy.

I have to say I am really loving reading novella's at present and this is another really good read. I have read a few orphan train books with the ones that come to mind by Jane Peart. I find this whole subject fascinating as it's not something we hear much about unless I read a book with it in. Subjects like the Oregon trail etc are known about in Australia but the orphan trains are not known about.  The book features Elyssa who has fallen on hard times after the Wall street crash which takes her family away from her. She is bringing children across the country to Kansas and know families. She is also hoping to start a new life for herself there. 

Bill is a single but has been granted his request to adopt two children Ian and Bridget. I love the way Elyssa is with the children and fell in love with them. We also see how Bill falls in love with the children and Elyssa. I love the way this book flows and how we see how each of the main characters are wounded in different ways and what comes from that. 

A Wonderful read. 

Book Review Love's Glory by Darlene Franklin

Loves Glory

By

Darlene Franklin

• Publisher: Forget Me Not Romances, 
• a division of Winged Publications (June 2, 2015)
• Website

Book Description:

LIES AND DESERTION CHASE BETH FROM HER HOME TOWN.
It’s 1919. Everything is changing—cars are common and airplanes helped win the War to End All Wars. Even the German-Americans of New Brandenburg, Texas, renamed their town Old Glory to prove their patriotism.
None of that matters to Beth Smith. In 1917, her boyfriend Garan Schmidt enlisted in the Army—and left her pregnant. She left home and built a new life for herself and their daughter.
When Garan finds Beth and their daughter in May 1919, he is eager to make amends and start over. Beth is unsure if she is ready to tell the truth that will set them free.

My Review:

This book takes place after World War 1 has ended. We see Beth with her friend Agnes waiting for her Agnes's brother and Smitty to arrive home from the war. When they arrive Beth realises Smitty is Garan and he soon realises he is a father. Garan wants to do the right thing by marrying Beth as he has never stopped loving her. Both he and Beth feel guilty for giving in to temptation and accepting God's forgiveness. Beth didn't want to return home to Old Glory where everyone knows her as she is not sure how they will receive her. I won't say more as I don't want to tell the story.

I enjoyed the story and learning even more about this part of Texas also. 

Book Review: Fort Point (Maine Justice) (Volume 2) by Susan Page Davis

Fort Point (Main Justice Book 2) by Susan Page Davis

• Publisher: Tea Tin Press (March 28, 2017)
• 
  
• Amazon

Book Description

An ill-fated class reunion at Fort Point. . . Maine’s most famous author is murdered the night after the reunion. A classmate turns up dead a few days later, apparently drowned at Fort Point. What does a cold case burglary have to do with the deaths? And did a third classmate really commit suicide? The Priority Unit solves its most challenging case, relying on wits, hard work, and faith. Meanwhile, Jennifer Wainthrop plans her wedding but manages to hand the detectives some important clues. Detective Harvey Larson is offered a job he doesn’t want, until he learns the police chief has had a tragic accident. Captain Mike Browning is on vacation in Maine's far north, and proves a difficult man to track down. Harvey and Jennifer continue their faith journey and romance while untangling the evidence. Despite many obstacles, the Priority Unit is once again serving up Maine Justice.

My Review:

Firstly thanks to the author for my review copy.

This is the second book in the Maine Justice series and a warning may contain spoilers if you haven't read book one. This books starts with the murder of a famous author Martin Blake after a school reunion. A second attendee turns up dead a few days later and they wonder if they are related. Again Harvey has to investigate the murder and try to work out who is involved. Early in the book after Martin's body is found they have to see his wife, well this is where it go interesting for me. His wife's name is Thelma Blake. My father had a sister who passed away at around 15 called Thelma and they were going to name a daughter they lost Thelma so reading her name was interesting. It didn't make me sad it just gave me a little start at first. This Thelma is such a large character that it would be nice to think she was a part of them. 

Now back to the review. Harvey is also up for a promotion he is not sure he wants as he doesn't like change. We also see more of his partner Eddie in this book and I have to say I really do like Eddie. In there spare time Jennifer and Harvey are planning a wedding and some of the decisions are interesting. I also found later close to the wedding I was laughing at some of the antics and things that were happening. The mystery itself had me wondering who was involved and who the killer was. I had guessed a few of the clues but still wasn't sure till the end. I am looking forward to the final book in the series. 

Book Review: Amish Cooking Class - The Seekers by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Amish Cooking Class - The Seekers

By 

Wanda E. Brunstetter

Shiloh Run Press (February 1, 2017)

Description

Join a class of unlikely Ohioans who take cooking lessons at Lyle and Heidi Troyer’s Amish farm. A woman engaged to marry, an expectant mother estranged from her family, a widowed mom seeking to simplify, a Vietnam vet who camps on the Troyer’s farm, and an Amish widower make up the mismatched lot of students. But Heidi’s cooking lessons soon turn to life lessons as they each share the challenges they are facing. Is this what God had in mind when Heidi got the idea for cooking classes?

My Review:

Firstly thanks to netgalley for my review copy.

I have read several books by Wanda and have enjoyed them all. This one is different (although I have since found out she did a series with Heidi's Aunt teaching Quilting) but to me this was different. In this book we have Heidi who after 8 years of marriage still doesn't have any children so often has time on her hands. She loves to cook and knows how much joy her Aunt gets from teaching quilting so decides to run 6 cooking lessons. The participants are varied, Charlene who is newly engaged, Kendra who is an expectant mother estranged from her family, Lorretta who wants to learn some Amish cooking, Eli an Amish widower who struggles to boil an egg and Ron who has turned up at the Troyer's farm asking if he can camp there for a short while. 

The book introduces us to each of the participants as well as Heidi and her husband Lyle and we get to know them and more about there situations. Lorretta has 2 adorable children who I must say are scene stealers at times. A couple of the participants have no idea how to cook but Heidi is patient. What starts out as just lessons becomes more as they get to know one another. I enjoyed the way the book unfolded and was sad to see it end. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series. What I loved most was the interaction between the various people and also the individual stories within the main story. 

If you like Amish stories I am sure you will enjoy this one and if you are not a big fan of Amish books you will find this book doesn't focus mainly on their lifestyle because of having both English and Amish involved. A good read. 

Book Review: The Priority Unit - Maine Justice Book 1 by Susan Page Davis

The Priority Unit

Maine Justice Book 1

by 

Susan Page Davis

Description: A missing man. 
A mysterious computer program – 
Even the people constructing it don’t know what it will do.
On the worst night of Harvey Larson’s life, his partner is killed and his wife, Carrie, walks out on him. Ten years later, the Portland, Maine police detective has learned to cope with his grief and depression. When he and the Priority Unit investigate the disappearance of software designer Nick Dunham, he meets a young woman who will change his life. Jennifer Wainthrop was the last person to admit seeing Dunham alive.

Harvey and his partner, Eddie Thibodeau, stay a step ahead of a bomber and put together the clues that tell the truth: Dunham’s kidnapping and the bombings are one case, and Jennifer is caught in the middle. News that Carrie has committed suicide may plunge Harvey back into despair. Harvey turns to God for help untangling his complicated life. He finds strength in his faith as he attempts to save Jennifer from the same grim fate that claimed Nick. But Jennifer must depend on her own wits and God alone when the killer gets too close. 

My Review:
Thanks Susan Page Davis for my copy to review.

This is an interesting suspense story.  The book starts with Harvey having the worst night of his life. His partner is killed and his wife leaves him. The book then fast forwards 10 years to when he is investigating the disappearance of a software designer and this is where he meets Jennifer Wainthrop. Not long after he learns is ex wife has died and while at the funeral he spends time with her grandmother who challenges him. It is here he starts to wonder does God exist.  At the same time Jennifer has questions of her own and they both decide to do research together. In the meantime there is still a missing man and there is a car bombing. 

I enjoyed waiting to find out what would happen next. The suspense wasn't too heavy which I like but enough to keep you on your the edge of your seat. I wanted to know who the bomber was and why, and why did the designer disappear. I also have to mention Eddie, he is a scene stealer at times and a fun character. I was kept guessing which is a good sign of a good book. I am eagerly awaiting book two. 

If you like Police suspense I am sure you will enjoy this book